The Phoenix Suns are exploring three-team trades to move point guard Chris Paul, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The lack of assets has dampened the Suns’ efforts to find trade avenues for Paul’s hefty contract, which has led Phoenix to start exploring three-team structures.
“That lack of assets has certainly dampened the Suns’ efforts to find trade avenues for Paul’s hefty contract, which has led Phoenix to start exploring three-team structures to move Paul, league sources told Yahoo Sports, just as the Suns considered with their attempts to deal Jae Crowder last season — nearly landing a three-team swap that would have sent Crowder to Milwaukee and Rui Hachimura back to Phoenix before the Wizards dealt the impending restricted free agent to Los Angeles,” Fischer wrote.
If the Suns can’t trade Paul, they are expected to waive or stretch him. The future Hall of Famer averaged a career-low 13.9 points this past season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
There’s a general understanding among front offices that Paul would prefer to play in a contending environment. The 12-time All-Star wants to remain in Phoenix and continue playing with stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
However, it appears the Suns are adamant about moving on from Paul. For what it’s worth CP3 told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic on June 15 that he wants to stay with the Suns.
“Absolutely,” Paul said. “That’s why I’m there. I’ve talked with my family, we’ve had conversations about what could be, what might be. I’ve talked with my agent. Talked to my brother (C.J. Paul). I’m working out, training, spending time with my family.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in signing Paul as a free agent if the Suns waive him, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Paul and Lakers superstar LeBron James are very close friends.
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